Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to this creamy, cheesy dish—where comfort meets a delicious twist!
Imagine a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy—all wrapped up in one warm, satisfying casserole. That’s exactly what this poppy seed chicken casserole delivers! Now, I know what you’re thinking. The word “casserole” alone can be enough to make kids wrinkle their noses and run for cover. Casseroles are often the forgotten leftovers of the dinner world, served up on cold nights when no one’s in the mood for anything exciting. But trust me on this one—this casserole is about to change all that. With tender chicken breasts, crisp broccoli florets, and a creamy mix of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, this dish is anything but boring.
So go ahead, call it a casserole. But watch as your kids (or young ones you’re cooking for) take one bite and completely rethink their stance. This dish is so irresistible, you might just find yourself making it every week, with NO complaints at the dinner table! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or potluck contribution, this poppy seed chicken casserole is sure to become a new favorite.
Is This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole Healthy?
While this poppy seed chicken casserole might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to “light” meals, it strikes a nice balance between indulgent comfort and wholesome ingredients. Chicken breast provides lean protein, while broccoli florets offer a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber. The creamy base, made with a mix of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a bit of butter, is rich and satisfying but can be lightened up by adjusting the amount of cheese or swapping in a lighter sour cream. The poppy seeds, though small, add healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Like many casseroles, it’s versatile, and you can easily tweak the ingredients to make it suit your dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor!
Can I Use Different Breadcrumbs Besides Panko?
Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for casseroles because of their light, crispy texture, which adds a delightful crunch to the top of this dish. However, they’re not required for this poppy seed chicken casserole. So if you don’t have panko on hand, you can easily substitute with regular breadcrumbs. That being said, while regular breadcrumbs will provide a nice topping, they may be finer and less airy than panko.
For a healthier option, whole-wheat breadcrumbs can be used to add extra fiber. Alternatively, if you’re gluten-free, gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers will work just as well. Whichever you choose, the goal is to add a satisfying crunch, so feel free to get creative with your breadcrumb options!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the casserole cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It should keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze the casserole. Put it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight first. Then, warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This poppy seed chicken casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out your meal. For a fresh, light contrast, try serving it alongside a Spinach Salad. Cooked vegetables, such as Glazed Stovetop Carrots, Roasted Green Beans, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts, would also be great. If you’re in the mood for a starchy side, buttery mashed potatoes or Garlic Toast would complement this creamy casserole perfectly. No matter what you choose, this casserole will be the star of the show!
Recipe
Ingredients
The Casserole:
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon poppy seed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 large chicken breast
The Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour. Whisk over a low heat until a thick paste forms. Add milk and chicken stock and whisk until completely smooth. Add the cheese and remove from the heat. Add the sour cream, mustard, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes. Remove and let dry completely. Cook the chicken breast in the same water for about 15 minutes. Let cool, then cut into cubes.
- Combine the broccoli and chicken cubes in a casserole.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli-chicken mixture and spread evenly to coat.
- In a saucepan over medium-high, heat add the butter and the bread crumbs. Toast until light brown, then sprinkle over the mixture.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
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